Austin celebrated its 20th annual Austin Museum Day, a citywide event hosted by the Austin Museum Partnership. People from all walks of life enjoyed free entry to over 35 museums on Sept. 17.

Whether it be modern art exhibits or old historic buildings, Austin Museum Day makes it possible for lesser known museums to gain recognition in the community. In doing so, this event really makes learning something new a fascinating experience.

The Austin Mexic-Arte Museum presented their installment “Amar A Muerte”, an exhibition on Day of the Dead altars created by the community. The works of Frida Kahlo and husband Diego Rivera were also honored in the Mexic-Arte’s installment of “Diego & Frida: A Smile in The Middle of The Way.”

Both visitors and those involved enjoyed what the Mexic-Arte museum had to offer.

Mexic-Arte employee Penelope Stuart said, ”My favorite part of Austin Museum Day is that I don’t think most of humanity realizes how important museums really are for our culture and our society.”

Paintings and old photos were on display for viewing purposes. The exhibit filled the Mexic-Arte to capacity, leaving a long line that went down the block — something that doesn’t happen everyday.

Whether you prefer quiet art installments that enlighten the inner workings of the mind, or just simply want to learn something that you didn’t know before, Austin Museum Day has something for you. Two of the largest, most popular museums that participated this year were the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum and the Blanton Museum of Art.

The Bullock Museum presented “Pong to Pokémon: The Evolution of Electronic Gaming,” which focused on the past and future of electronic gaming through the player’s experience.

Meanwhile, the Blanton Museum of Art enlightened museum-goers with their exhibit, ”Epic Tales from Ancient India,” allowing visitors to explore a new culture through paintings, historical artifacts and live performances.

At the center of all the free museum madness, the Texas Music Museum shined. Located off east 11th street, this small, quiet building holds records, videos and interviews of over 500 minority musicians who majorly impacted the formation of the Texas music scene yet never reached stardom.

Founder Clayton Shorkey dedicated his life to researching, archiving and crediting the musicians that ultimately shaped Texas music into what it is today.

“[I am] happy to educate people on the history and culture of the history of Texas music,” Shorkey said.

He also said that Texas music would not be where it is today had it not been for the minorities that never got famous for their contributions.

Austin Museum Day answers the question, what is a museum? Is it a large contemporary building where you’re not allowed to touch anything? Or is it the center to a network of information waiting to be learned?

It’s times like these where free admission to museums goes a long way.